Vietnam: Surreal Saigon

Aimee and I booked a flight to Ho Chi Minh when Cebu Pacific had one of their promo fares. We are suckers for cheap flights so we got tickets for a December trip on March. The main reason for the trip was to visit Halong Bay, a UNESCO Heritage Site. The only free week that we had was the week after Christmas. So on December 25, we took an 11pm flight to Ho Chi Minh City, otherwise known as Saigon.  Since our arrival was at 2am, I made arrangements with the hotel, Ngoc Minh Guesthouse, for someone to pick us up at Tan Sot Nhat International Airport. It was an additional $15 but sometimes you have to spend for safety’s sake. We immediately went to sleep after checking in and woke up in time for the free breakfast. Buildings in Vietnam have limited space so they compensate for it by creating several floors. The hotel that we stayed in had their eating area at the topmost floor. We proceeded there to have our first taste of Vietnamese coffee and some baguette.

Baguette and Vietnamese coffee for breakfast

On our way to Cu Chi tunnels

We were ready to start exploring Ho Chi Minh historical sites. First on the list is the Cu Chi tunnel. The hotel offered a tour for $5/person which doesn’t include the entrance fee of 80,000 VND. It was actually cheaper if we commute but we didn’t want to go through the hassle. We had a very informative guide named Thom. His ideas and lectures leaned towards anti-America sometimes which is understandable considering what their country went thru during the Vietnam War. Before proceeding to Cu Chi tunnels we made a stop at Handicapped Handicrafts.  All the workers were victims of the war and were disabled. Their products were beautiful but had touristy price so we refrained from buying.

Wall decors made of eggshells

Candle holders and vases

Before going inside the tunnels we were brought to a reception hall to watch a video presentation about the Cu Chi tunnels. Then Thom took us to various places of interests. He showed us an example of the tunnel’s opening. And encouraged one of our tour mates to enter it - feet first.

This brave guy volunteered to enter the small hole

Going all the way in

And he fits inside

We also had a chance to enter one of the tunnels which was pitched dark. We crawled 20 meters and immediately got out. It is not for the claustrophobic. 

Before entering the tunnel look

After crawling inside the tunnel look

We asked the tour bus driver to drop us off near the War Remnants Museum. It was past 1pm so we were starving so we looked for a restaurant first. We finished our uber late lunch 30 minutes before the museum closed. We hurriedly checked the heartbreaking pictures on display. It brought a heavy feeling to the three of us that we forgot to take pictures inside.

Looking for a place to eat in Saigon

Outside the War Remnants Museum

We got back to the guesthouse to find Tai, Aimee’s classmate when she took her masters in Indonesia, waiting for us. She took us around the city to look for North Face bags. Aimee and I refused to leave Ho Chi Minh without a North face bag souvenir. We were successful with the bag hunt and had a happy dinner at the International Food Festival near our hotel. After dinner we took a stroll to visit the Reunification Palace, the Notre Dame church and the Saigon Post Office.

Dinner at  Saigon's International Food Festival by Aimee

Reunification Palace with one of our hosts, Tai by Aimee

Notredame Cathedral in Saigon by Aimee

Our Iloilo Interests

We went back to Iloilo a day before the Dinagyang festival. A lot of the streets were already closed since the street dancing apparently has started. So we had to walk from Ortiz port to Four Seasons Hotel. We passed by the Iloilo public market which was part of the route for the participants of the Dinagyang. We stayed for a while to watch the presentations of several tribus.

One of the tribes that participated

Dancers in blue at the Dinagyang festival

We were starving by the time we checked in at the hotel. Fortunately, there is a Deco resto inside the hotel so we treated ourselves with Iloilo’s famous La Paz batchoy. It was sweltering hot that day so we decided to stay at the hotel instead of going to Miag-ao as planned. The 1050 php for the double room was well-spent. The We went out at night to check the scene at the street party and got stressed for the effort.  

 

Deco's La Paz batchoy

Before the street party

During the street party: It was so packed you can hardly move

The following day, while everyone was in Iloilo City to watch the street dancing, Glenn and I went to Miag-ao to visit Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Church. It is one of the 4 Baroque churches in the Philippines that were inscribed on the World Heritage List.

Another UNESCO Heritage Site off the list

Beautiful facade of Miag-ao church

We heard mass then took a jeepney back to the city for 40 php. Lunch was at Breakthrough for some seafood delight.

Gorgeous Guimaras

I have an ongoing love affair with UNESCO World Heritage sites so last December I asked Glenn if he wanted to go to Iloilo. I convinced him that we can kill two birds with one stone by witnessing the Dinagyang festival and checking out Guimaras Island. He gets his beach time while I get to visit Miag-ao church, a UNESCO site. Admittedly, he spoils me so he worked his magic and got us promo tickets thru Philippine Airlines. We flew to Iloilo International Airport on January 21 on a 5am flight. The airport is several kilometres from the city proper so a cab is quite expensive (in my standards anyway). We went straight to Ortiz port and paid 250 php. We took a ferry for a 15 minute ride to the island of Guimaras for only 13 php.

Boats at Ortiz port, Iloilo

 

We arrived in Jordan port and immediately went to the makeshift tourist office. Available transportation is tricycle or a multicab. Since the resort that we will be staying is quite far, we opted to hire a multicab for 600 php. That included several stops like the Trappist Monastery and a Mango plantation overlooking the bay. A trip is not complete without a church visit so I asked the driver to make a stop at the Trappist chapel. We also met a friendly monk who gave us rock samples upon learning that Glenn is a geologist. And since Glenn has this thing for pasalubongs, we ended up buying lots of goodies at the Trappist Monastic Products store. I have to say that their Mango jam is deliciously addicting.

Chapel at the Trappist Monastery

Goodies at Trappist Monastic Products

Before going to the resort the driver made another stop at a spot that overlooks the bay and suggested that we pose for a picture.

Lush landscape

 

After which we continued our journey to Nueva Valencia, Guimaras where Guisi Beach is located. We stayed at Kenyama Beach Resort for 2500 php for their deluxe room. Quite expensive considering that the building and the rooms wasn’t that outstanding. But we were the only guests so I guess that makes up for it. And their place has a fantastic view of Guisi beach.

Lone building of Kenyama Beach Resort

After an afternoon nap we took a walk in the beach just in time for the sunset. 

Deserted Guisi Beach

The photographer is a geologist, hence the outcrop background

 

The following morning we left Guisi beach but not before visiting Guisi lighthouse. The old and new lighthouse stood near each other to guide seafarers.

Old Guisi Lighthouse

Third time is the Charm: Puerto Princesa, Palawan

My third visit to Puerto Princesa was an out of the blue decision. Back in September when we were still just friends, Glenn asked me if I wanted a Singapore-Malaysia trip on my birthday. Air Philippines had a promo at that time since they just opened the Manila-Singapore route. He tempted me with the thought of crossing the border to Malaysia to visit Malacca, one of Malaysia’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. How can I say no to him after that? Our travel dates have always been a give and take affair. He takes care of the flight bookings and accommodations and I prepare our itinerary and the little travel details like how to get from one place to another. Everything was ready a month before we were set to leave, except the accommodations. I had one instruction for him when he was searching for a place for us to stay. To make sure that the rate doesn’t exceed 1500 php. He did find hostels that offer a lower rate but it wasn’t up to his standards.  He found a place that he likes but it was 4500/day. I freaked out of course and told him that it was too much. Little did I know that he already had a planned B if I didn’t want to go thru with the Singapore-Malaysia trip. This was going to be my first birthday together with him and he wanted it to be extra special. So he asked me if I wanted to go home to Lanao del Norte and celebrate it with my parents or we go home to Palawan to celebrate it with both sets of parents.  Since we will be spending Christmas this year in my hometown, we decided to celebrate my birthday in Palawan. It was also a chance for me to visit Napsan, a small barangay  in Puerto Princesa. His family has some properties there and Glenn and his brothers spent childhood summers there. He has fond memories of swimming in Napsan beach and claims that it is one of the nicest beaches in Palawan. 

So last February 22, together with Glenn’s parents and aunt, we took a flight to Puerto Princesa and spent a day in their place by the beach in Puerto Princesa proper. Incidentally, it was his cousin’s birthday so we were treated to sumptuous food, especially the “Lawya” – a Cuyonin dish. 

"Lawya" is the one between the spaghetti and rice

 

The next day we set off to San Jose terminal to catch the jeepney going to Napsan. There are two trips daily and the first one leaves at 9am. We were at the terminal before 9am to ensure that we get seats. But the jeepney wasn’t there yet so we had time to buy essentials like water and bread. Apparently the driver follows Filipino time so we were able to leave at around 11am.  I wasn’t a happy commuter after two hours of waiting inside a cramped vehicle. Only the thought of spending the afternoon at the beach kept me sane.

Not your usual jeepney in the city

 

After almost two hours of travel and 140 php less for the fare, we finally arrived in Napsan. His parents, who took a motorcycle, arrived first. We had a late lunch at his aunt’s place. Then we went straight to the beach. It was worth the transportation hassle. The shore seems to stretched out endlessly.  The deserted beach was a perfect place to recharge. 

Pristine beach of Napsan

Seemingly endless shore

 

The next day his parents decided to have a picnic by the river. It was a 15 minute motorcycle ride to their farm. The property sits beside the river so after lunch we took a refreshing dip in the river.

A day at the farm

 

We left Napsan on the third morning at around 7:30am. We arrived in Puerto Princesa proper just in time to meet my parents at the airport. They took a CDO-MNL-PPS connecting flight just to be with me on my birthday. After a seafood feast prepared by his father, everybody took a nap. My parents liked the sea breeze so much they opted to take an afternoon nap at the cottage in the middle of the sea. Dinner was at Edwin’s, one of Glenn’s favourite resto while growing up. 

On the day of my birthday, my ever thoughtful boyfriend surprised me with a birthday cake and red roses. After which we set off to Kalui, Puerto Princesa’s famous resto. We immensely enjoyed the seafood feast, especially the Tubattaha salad. Kalui is open Mondays to Saturdays for lunch (11am-2pm) and dinner (6pm-11pm). 

His birthday cake surprise

Seafood feast in Kalui

After Kalui, we hit the road to explore the northern part of Puerto Princesa. Glenn wanted to spend the night at one of the resorts. After almost an hour of travel we found Nitivos and Restaurant in Brgy. San Rafael. The resort opened less than a year ago so it wasn’t that established yet. But since we were the only guests and for 1200 php  for a deluxe room it was already a good deal. It was worth it when we witnessed this beautiful sunrise at the beach.

Sunrise in Nitivos Beach Resort

After leaving the resort we visited Baker’s Hill to buy goodies that my parents can take with them then went straight to Mitra’s ranch to enjoy the view.

Double date at Baker's Hill

With the parents at Mitra's ranch

 

Glenn and I ended the day with a coffee date at Itoy’s Coffee Haus. Their Cashew frappe is a winner. 

Cashew frappe at Itoy's Coffee Haus

Chasing our Camotes Dream

I have happy childhood memories of family vacations spent in Cebu. Going to Cebu would automatically mean long distance travel for a church visit to Pitalo, San Fernando, Cebu where my Dad's relatives are from. Unfortunately, our family trips have been limited to Metro Cebu and the southern part of the island. And a year ago, I started reading a lot of good reviews about Camotes Island, which is located on the eastern part of mainland Cebu. I mentioned it  to Glenn that I wanted to go there and as usual he said yes. It was included on our travel list but with no definite travel date. Until burnout led me to resign from my job days before our Cebu trip for a family vacation. I asked him if he wanted to extend our stay in Cebu to go to Camotes Island since I no longer have a job to get back to immediately. After two hours he called to tell me that he has bought another ticket for a later flight date. My Superman turned what was supposed to be a 4-day vacation into 7 days just so we can celebrate my corporate freedom.

There are two ways to go to Camotes Island, one is by taking a ferry in Ouano wharf in Mandaue City which will take you to Poro port. Or travel for about 45 minutes to Danao City then transfer to a motorized boat for a two-hour trip to Consuelo port in San Francisco, Camotes Island. The fare which is 180 pesos, is the same regardless of the type of boat.  I originally wanted to leave thru Ouano wharf since my sister's place is also in Mandaue but our contact person at the resort advised us to take the ferry at Danao port since it it will dock at Consuelo which is just 15 minutes away from Santiago Bay Garden & Resort compared to if we take the ferry in Mandaue which will take us to Poro port. Transportation cost if we arrive at Consuelo port is a mere 50 pesos for a habal-habal compared to 150 pesos if we dock at Poro port.

So off we went to SM Cebu for the V-hire terminal that took us to Danao port for 50 pesos. The van will drop passengers at the terminal in front of Gaisano mall. We then took a "trisekad" for 10 pesos each. We arrived minutes before the 11:00am departure of the RJR ferry. We immediately paid the 180 fare plus 5 pesos for the terminal fee and sailed away. 

The summer sun was scorching when we arrived at the resort. I felt the beginnings of a migraine but it surely disappeared when this scene greeted us. Glenn's reaction when  he set his eyes on this scene was to asked me if we can extend our stay.

The resort's pool with Santiago Bay in the background.

We had a late lunch at their restaurant which has an overlooking view of Santiago bay. They have a limited selection on their menu with prices ranging from 95 to 250 pesos. Their breakfast meal typically costs 80 pesos.

Clear and blue waters of Santiago Bay.

We took an afternoon nap and woke up with the beach's  different persona.

Low tide in the beach

Our overnight stay at one of Cebu's best kept secret was truly a relaxing one. The view and the atmosphere will make you want to return. If you crave for quiet and peace on your vacation then go to Camotes Island. 

Goodbye paradise, for now.

PLACES WE'VE BEEN TO

How much of the Philippines have we visited?







Lakbayan

 

Our Lakbayan grade is B!

 

Top travel moments

This is a collection of scribbles of past travels. After countless suggestions from friends that I create a blog for all the trips that I took, I have finally heed their call. And since Glenn has traveled extensively too, I kinda forced him that we create this joint account so that we can chronicle all our travel memories. All things start with small beginnings so we will start with our top 5.

1. Number one on our list is our El Nido experience. Glenn and I went there separately. I was the one who visited first with my favorite travel buddy and one of my college bff - Aimee. One of our best friends, Ivy can’t stop raving about the place after spending holy week there. So off we go to El Nido for the ultimate backpacker’s experience. This was my first try of independent travel which didn’t start well because of the 8 hour bus ride from hell. It was our first time to travel on a jam-packed bus on very rough roads. And we thought we were ready for it considering all the field works we did during our college days. We were ready to throttle Ivy by the time we reached the last stop before El Nido. But all the stress faded away with our first glimpse of the picturesque Bacuit bay. The islands scattered amidst the clear blue waters took my breath away. It was like discovering my own Shangri-La. El Nido is truly an enchanting experience.

Big Lagoon, El Nido, Palawan

2. Our visit to Cambodia’s Angkor Wat was a dream come true for me. While other girls dream of Disneyland, I wished for Angkor Wat. I have always been fascinated with history and the Angkor Wat was so mysterious and enticing in my high school history books. Lucky for me I have close friends who feels the same. Aimee and me originally planned the Thailand - Cambodia trip for just the two of us. But fate intervened and I ended up inviting Glenn and his best friend, Rodel. Them being travel junkies, they immediately agreed and made plans. It was an amazing trip with an element of danger because the Bangkok siege by the Red Shirts just ended days before our trip. The thrill of taking an 8 hour bus ride to cross the border at Aranyaprathet to Cambodia’s Poipet was a heady experience. But the most rewarding of all was waking up early the next day to witness the sun rise over the Angkor Wat complex. The scene was too beautiful it deserves my tears.

One of the ruins at Bayon, Cambodia

3. Our visit to Sukothai, Thailand is meaningful to both of us. Glenn and I have been friends for almost a decade. That friendship has survived despite the distance when an opportunity to study in South Korea was offered to him after college. Although we kept in touch regularly, it was during our Thailand trip that we reconnected. And it was in Sukothai, where the Thai alphabet was said to have been invented, that I realized that he is the man that I have been praying for. I can still remember the moment vividly. We were staring at one of the temple ruins and talking nonsense under the scorching heat of the midday sun when it dawned on me that this is the man I can spend the rest of my life with. After almost ten years of friendship, I finally realized that my dream guy was right by my side all along.

Glenn at Wat Chang Lam, Sukothai, Thailand

 4. Our first vacation for 2011 was the Iloilo - Guimaras trip last January. The Guimaras part was my favorite since we had lots of quality time together. We stayed at Kenyama Resort, which at that time only had us as guests. Glenn and I always make it a point to choose a place which is off the beaten path. The resort was quite far from the port of Jordan but the secluded cove was worth the  distance. So if you crave for serenity and quiet on your vacation, then visit Guimaras. We had a grand time posing for pictures with the sunset as background.

Blissfully together in Guisi beach, Guimaras Island.

 5. Our first out of the country trip as a couple was our Vietnam escapade last December 2010. It was supposed to be just Aimee and me on that trip. But predictably Glenn doesn’t want me out of his sight so he came with us and ended up arranging the whole shindig. Our Vietnam vacation was by far our cheaapest overseas trip. This was mainly due to our uber generous and accommodating hosts namely Phi, Tuan, Thanh and Chung - Glenn’s classmates in South Korea. These geologists from Vietnam redefined the meaning of hospitality. They took time off to meet us at the airport and accompanied us around Hanoi. They introduced us to authentic Vietnamese cuisine and explained details of their country’s history. It was also in Hanoi that I found “the church” - St. Joseph’s Cathedral.  I have a propensity to visit churches on all my trips and this one captured my fancy right there and then. Gothic arches reminiscent of the Notre Dame church in France. Plus the beautiful stained windows and exquisite side altars were a sweet bonus. Of course you cannot go to Vietnam and not take the Halong Bay cruise. Actually this UNESCO site was the main event on our itinerary. And true to its promise the majestic limestone formations did not disappoint us. 

Lovers with the “kissing rocks” in the background, Halong Bay, Vietnam.